The Chain (A Catherine Diary) - Stamfield. Complete

Chapter 46

46

It took a moment for my words to sink in, after which his smile diminished, to be replaced by hurt. Initially, I felt exhilaration at getting one over him, but that too faded, leaving me angry with myself and sympathetic towards him.

'I'm sorry, I didn't....', my words faded and even the words that came out were in a whisper, which were unlikely to have been heard over the beat of the music, which Susan evidently hadn't managed to get Janet to reduce the volume of.

'What pendant are you talking about.....the Nefertiti one.......I didn't......I don't expect you to believe me'.

'If it means anything I don't think you took it', I said lowering my head, I couldn't take looking at him like this, 'maybe I should go'

'Don't, please', he said placing a hand on my arm.

'Jack, it's not that I'm not attracted to you, it's just that you can be so insensitive at times', there, it was out, I held my breath for his response.

'It's true, I won't deny it and I know you probably felt awkward when I kissed Susan', I cursed myself for making it so obvious, 'but I didn't want you to assume we were an item. I like you, but I love your spirit, it's what attracted me to you and I think we can be good friends'

'What? Friends with benefits', that was a punch below the belt, but it just came out.
'Maybe, but more than that, friends that do anything together. You have a wild streak and I have one to'

God, this boy could be obnoxious. I had to get out of there.

'But that's where you're wrong about me. What you saw on that pitch was a one off. That isn't me'.

'But ultimately and physically it was you', he said philosophically and even I had to concede that point.

'So, what happens now', I said relaxing back on the wall.